Does NH offer upgrades at the counter?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot Am, MU Pt
Posts: 3,092
Does NH offer upgrades at the counter?
I'm booked on a mixed class and carrier route trip ticket PVG-NGO-PVG on CA ticket stock.
I know it's just a short flight, but to complete the trip, the return is on NH. Last couple times I've flown NH was all already in J, but this time the return is on Y. My outbound is in J with CA.
I'm curious does NH offer counter upgrades?
Sorry I tried doing a search, but it kept giving me errors.
I know it's just a short flight, but to complete the trip, the return is on NH. Last couple times I've flown NH was all already in J, but this time the return is on Y. My outbound is in J with CA.
I'm curious does NH offer counter upgrades?
Sorry I tried doing a search, but it kept giving me errors.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
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Generally no. Or at least if they do, it will be the full fare difference between the ticket you have and the seat they have available. There will be no bargain price for the upgrade.
#3
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Calgary
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#5
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Tokyo, Japan
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Yep, I had a similar upgrade from Y to C for 300 GBP, LHR-NRT. It was offered to everyone irrespective of the original fare paid. I guess this only happens if they are overbooked though.
#6
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Clever, selling what they will have to give for free otherwise. I would probably take it though if it was offered to me. Never happened to me though.
#8
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 42
I have also been asked the same thing. At least they were honest about it. The agent said "the flight is overbooked in coach and you can buy an upgrade to business class for a low upgrade fee of $500, or we will most likely end up having to give the upgrade to someone for FREE..." IIRC, nobody took the bait and they did end up having to give away the free upgrade.(and no, not to me )
#9
Join Date: Sep 2009
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I know I've posted these experiences elsewhere but am not sure where that thread is buried... somewhere around here undoubtedly.
Generally I pre-confirm my upgrades with miles or upgrade points, 95% of the time C to F, and a few times Y to C. I have never done same day upgrades with upgrade instruments.
I have a couple of data points to add to the discussion.
1.) Perhaps 3 years ago in Shanghai, I was offered a buy up (when I asked) at the ticket counter from Y to C on a flight to Narita. I am not 100% sure on the cost these days, but I want to say $200-$300. Pulled the trigger. I am not sure if Y was oversold, but that may explain it....
2.) Because on another occasion I tried to pull the same thing at the ticket counter in PVG and was told I'd need to buy a whole new ticket and waste my existing one. And I was on a bloody Y fare. No go. I sat in Y. This was also a few years ago.
I have never, once, seen NH offer any upgrades for any class of service at the gate @ SFO or NRT, but that's just one person's experience. Besides, I spend most of my time at the lounge vs hanging around with the gate lice.
Generally I pre-confirm my upgrades with miles or upgrade points, 95% of the time C to F, and a few times Y to C. I have never done same day upgrades with upgrade instruments.
I have a couple of data points to add to the discussion.
1.) Perhaps 3 years ago in Shanghai, I was offered a buy up (when I asked) at the ticket counter from Y to C on a flight to Narita. I am not 100% sure on the cost these days, but I want to say $200-$300. Pulled the trigger. I am not sure if Y was oversold, but that may explain it....
2.) Because on another occasion I tried to pull the same thing at the ticket counter in PVG and was told I'd need to buy a whole new ticket and waste my existing one. And I was on a bloody Y fare. No go. I sat in Y. This was also a few years ago.
I have never, once, seen NH offer any upgrades for any class of service at the gate @ SFO or NRT, but that's just one person's experience. Besides, I spend most of my time at the lounge vs hanging around with the gate lice.
#10
Moderator, All Nippon Airways and Japan
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: NH SFC (*G), JL JGP (OWE), AS MVP, WOH E, IHG SE
Posts: 3,908
NH does offer a same-day cash upgrade service for flights that are overbooked in Y: http://www.ana.co.jp/wws/japan/e/loc...vice/plantrip/
It's not a good deal for every route.
It's not a good deal for every route.
#12
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Calgary
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NH does offer a same-day cash upgrade service for flights that are overbooked in Y: http://www.ana.co.jp/wws/japan/e/loc...vice/plantrip/
It's not a good deal for every route.
It's not a good deal for every route.
#13
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That's good to know. Does anyone have any experience with this? How many pax actually take NH up on the offer to buy up in oversold situations? Or does NH typically end up giving these away for free. If for free, do they off a complimentary upgrade to their *A Gold customers, perhaps based on fare class booked?
#14
Join Date: Jul 2013
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I flew HKG-NRT (followed by NRT-SFO on UA) that was in J on the UA leg and Y on the HKG leg. When I arrived and checked in I saw my BP printed with a C on it and got rather excited as Y was overbooked and they upgraded me.
*G and wasn't on full fare nor super discount Y fare.
*G and wasn't on full fare nor super discount Y fare.
#15
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last year we flew iAd-nrt-iad. tried to up ug from C to F. there were 4 seats available. was told i could not, as they did not have proper food available. tried to ug this year, a week in advance from C to f. got danced around and around until i said thank you, and sat in C.